Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth

It’s Rivalry Week out West and we have you covered at Y-Option.

USC visits the Rose Bowl for an iconic game in Los Angeles against the Bruins with stakes locally, and the postseason for both teams is on the line. Stanford heads across the Bay to visit Cal in The Big Game in what should be a packed house at Memorial Stadium as the Bears hope to clinch a bowl berth. Oregon State hosts Washington State in a game pitting two Pac-12 schools who, over the past 12 months, have navigated adversity unseen in college sports and we welcomed the man who will be the sideline analyst on The CW for the Cougs vs. Beavs, Nigel Burton, to the latest episode of Y-Option presented by our founding partner 76.

I’ve known Nigel for years, having broadcast his first game as the head coach at Portland State and was fortunate to have him as a colleague for over a decade at the Pac-12 Network. We dove into the game, both Trent Bray and Jake Dickert’s role as each school's respective head coach and what his year has been like at the CW. In addition, Nigel unearthed what it’s like to be a parent of a college football player, as his son Jace is a freshman defensive back at Nigel’s alma mater, Washington.

Jim Thornby and I thoughtfully react to the latest CFP rankings, discuss #5 Indiana visiting #2 Ohio State and a huge weekend in the Big 12. Can #16 Colorado keep it going? Will #21 ASU take the next step toward a Big 12 title berth as they host #14 BYU? Can Utah play spoiler to #22 Iowa State on Senior Night at Rice-Eccles?

I’m off to D.C. as Maryland hosts Iowa in a B1G game at 9a PST in a game that has two teams that play completely different styles of football.

There are only two weekends for the majority of fans in college football to watch your team compete. Our advice, lean into it and enjoy every moment as you’ll be yearning for football season to return in a matter of weeks once the regular season ends.

Finally, the Pullman community lost a special young man this past weekend. 13-year-old Zion Bischoff passed away in an automobile accident and his impact on so many people has been celebrated. Please consider supporting the Bischoff family as they process this tragedy by visiting their GoFundMe page, Washington State will be wearing “ZB” patches on their helmets this weekend to honor Zion, who was close with many of the coaches’ children.

Our hearts go out to his family and friends, as we lost a beautiful soul far too soon.

Much love,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Every week from the West Coast we hope to bring you thoughtful conversations, insight and analysis in college football. Thanks to our founding partner 76, today we welcome a repeat guest in Oregon State head coach Trent Bray. In a season full of injuries and adversity, the Beavers head coach continues to lead his program with an optimistic and determined approach. With so many young players, I think the benefit will be seen in coming years, specifically in Year 1 of the rebuilt Pac-12 in 2026. We dive into that with Coach Bray, as well as what has been the most enjoyable and most challenging elements in the first year of his career as a head coach. 

How about Year 1 of the new look B1G?! On Saturday. the nation saw Dan Lanning’s aggressive style in full effect once again. It reminded me of Pete Carroll back in the day. To be that aggressive, you must trust that your team has the capacity to handle either side of the result. Jim Thornby and I break that down, as well as the upside down Big 12, with coach of the year candidates Deion Sanders and Kenny Dillingham.

We also dig into the Heisman, the embarrassing nonconference opponents in the SEC this weekend, Week 12’s Go Go Go Award winners presented by 76 and explore this year's matchup in the Pac-12 with Washington State and Oregon State. 

It’s Week 13 folks, let’s not miss a moment!

Much love and many thanks,

Yogi

This episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Week 12 is upon us and while it may be hard to predict who will make the inaugural College Football Playoff, one thing that is relatively certain is that UCLA linebacker Carson Schwesinger will find his way to another double digit tackle game.

The former walk-on is leading the Big Ten Conference in tackles per game and is leading the Bruins on a resurgence in DeShaun Foster’s first season. Thanks to our founding partner 76, he shared what led him to walk on at UCLA, how his father inspired him and this team's mindset heading into their Friday night tilt against former Pac-12 turned B1G foe Washington.

Jim Thornby and I also take a deep dive into the CFP, why Oregon continues to thrive and the Washington State Cougars path to the postseason. I shared a story from USC where Pete Carroll taught me the difference between ‘hoping’ and ‘knowing’ and how the Trojans and Nebraska Cornhuskers are in a similar position heading into this weekend’s game at the Coliseum.

In addition, we discuss who needs a win more - USC or Arizona and what would have happened in the Pac-12 this season if things didn’t change after last year.

As always, thank you for the support and enjoy this weekend. I’m off to Chicago for some studio work at the Big Ten Network in what will be another competitive weekend in the game we all love.

Much love from all of us at Y-Option,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

4 teams remain unbeaten and none reside in the south. So this week, Y-Option went down south to talk to an expert in all things college football, Andy Staples. 

Andy is the host of Andy & Ari On3, a daily college football podcast covering every major story. He joined us to dive into the CFP, how many teams should make the expanded playoff from the SEC and B1G, as well as his thoughts on the Heisman.

He gives his take on the Washington State Cougars, both USC and UCLA and of course what last weekend was like in Oxford around Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss squad. Finally, we answer the question of “is anyone truly elite this year in college football?”

Jim Thornby and I also celebrate this weeks Go Go Go Award Winners at Y-Option, presented by 76 as John Mateer, Ashton Jeanty and Jordan Burch all repeat as award winners and UCLA head coach DeShaun Foster is named our Headset Hero for the first time.

As always, follow @YOptionfb for all things college football, through the lens of the West Coast.

Much love,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Preseason polls mean absolute squat.

Ok, that may be a bit harsh but today’s guest on Y-Option, thanks to our founding partner 76, is Arizona State head coach Kenny Dillingham. His Sun Devils were picked to finish last in the new look Big 12 in the preseason and as we enter November, his squad is in the thick of the Big 12 race. This week, they welcome Central Florida to Tempe and the Valley will certainly be activated.

I’ve always felt that ASU was a “sleeping giant” and in their new league with very few dominant teams, it looks like they are building toward that. With Dillingham, an alum and Scottsdale native leading the way, there is no reason why they can’t become a power within the Big 12. It certainly helps having a Heisman candidate in Cam Skattebo aka That Dude! for them as well. We asked the ASU head coach the latest on Cam’s health too.

While USC is not in the conversation for the Big Ten title, they are always a story, even on a bye week. The Trojans made a change at QB and will start UNLV transfer Jayden Maiava, who thrived last year in Las Vegas throwing for 3,085 pass yds and 17 passing touchdowns while rushing for 277 yards with 3 scores.

We dive into that decision and how sensitive the QB room is.

Finally, we look into the first week of the College Football Playoff rankings, what they mean for the Washington State Cougars and how the committee may be viewing this season with the new format.

I’m off to Kansas City to call Iowa State and Kansas in a Big 12 contest on FS1 at Arrowhead Stadium. And no, I won’t be eating any BBQ (I’m vegetarian), but I am on the hunt for a cool cafe. If you have any recommendations please let us know on social media, @ Y-Option.

Enjoy Week 11 and amid changes in all of our worlds, stay steady.

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

I feel like the luckiest broadcaster in college football. 

Every Saturday I get to stand at the 50-yard line and celebrate the greatest game on earth and attempt to coach the viewer. Those two thoughts have been at the core of my career. But to have any success at anything one must be taught, guided and mentored. Thankfully for me the men I’ve stood next to every weekend have done just that.

But none more so than Ted Robinson. 

Ted has changed my life on air, off air and each Saturday while on Big Ten Network (or this weekend Fox Sports 1). His words of wisdom, encouragement and kindness are constantly working in my subconscious and the skills he taught me are hopefully used in real time each weekend.

Thankfully for us at Y-Option and our founding partner 76, he’s also in your world in today’s podcast. The play-by-play voice of The CW joined me to talk about the Washington State Cougars, Oregon State Beavers and the state of college football.

We take a deep dive into the growth of John Mateer, the leadership of Jake Dickert, the state of the Beavs and with the legendary Bill Walton’s birthday this Tuesday, we celebrate that as well.

Jim Thornby and I also detail this week's Go Go Go Awards, presented by 76 and play a game titled ‘Bowl or No Bowl’ as we discuss the numerous teams that are on the cusp of bowl eligibility. If you’re a fan of UW, Cal, Utah, OSU, USC, UCLA or Arizona this is a section you might enjoy.

Back to prep, as Guy Haberman and I are calling the Iowa State vs. Kansas game at Arrowhead Stadium this weekend on FS1. Fun fact, I called that exact game in the Chiefs’ stadium in 2010 where Tom Herman was the Iowa State OC. Time flies!

Finally, the next few days will be stressful on many fronts so let’s all lean into the joy in our lives and as fellow Substacker Dan Rather always says, ‘Stay Steady.’

Much love,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Every quarterback dreams of leading their team to the College Football Playoff, but only few get the opportunity. As we enter November in college football, just over 20 teams are still in the mix for the expanded CFP and John Mateer of Washington State is currently the quarterback of one of them. This WSU signal caller joined the Y-Option podcast, fueled by our founding partner 76, for the first time to talk about this Cougars season, his path from the 119th ranked QB in the class of 2022 to Heisman Trophy candidate and the mindset of “America’s Team” under Jake Dickert in the final month of the season.

Jim Thornby and I also dive into a huge weekend in the Big Ten and the road trips for both the Arizona Wildcats and the Arizona State Sun Devils in the new look Big-12. In addition, will my Pitt Panthers keep it rolling at SMU in a battle of unbeatens in ACC conference play? Plus, we get ready for Halloween as the Dodgers easily made the West Coast proud.

I’m off to Nebraska for the Cornhuskers and the UCLA Bruins with bowl eligibility at top of mind for both teams. As always, enjoy the weekend and be sure to follow Y-Option on social media.

Happy Halloween!

Yogi

The episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

“The games they remember are in November.”

With Week 9 in the rearview mirror, I'm reminded of a quote from good friend Rick Neuheisel and with the nation's top team, Oregon, heading to The Big House to face defending National Champion Michigan this weekend that is easily true.

Today’s Y-Option podcast, fueled by our founding partner 76, features a man who knows the Maize & Blue well. Former Michigan All-American tight end Jake Butt joins the show for the first time to share insight on his school, as he was on this past weekend's call of Michigan’s win over rival Michigan State. The Wolverines finally had consistent play from the quarterback room even as they played 2 with Davis Warren and Alex Orji, showcasing big-play potential against Jonathan Smith’s Spartans.

Jake will also be on the call for USC at Washington this Saturday. The Trojans and Dawgs are longtime foes, but this will be their first contest in the new look B1G.

We also discuss the Big Ten race, my conversation with legendary coach Nick Saban, the upcoming CFP rankings and how the Washington State Cougars are still in the mix for all of the things.

And as always, we celebrate our Y-Option Go Go Go Awards as Fernando Mendoza, Makai Lemon, Ansel Din-Mbuh and Kalani Sitake took home the awards from Week 9, presented by our founding partner 76.

Hope you enjoy today’s episode, let us know what you might have asked Coach Saban if you had the chance on social media

Much love,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Week 9 arrives as does ESPN’s College GameDay into Bloomington, Indiana. Last week it was Big Noon Kickoff at IU and this Saturday comes another party, as undefeated #13 Indiana hosts Washington on the Big Ten Network. I’ll be on the call alongside Guy Haberman, Rhett Lewis and our incredible crew. 

In today’s episode we welcome Washington head coach Jedd Fisch back to the podcast thanks to our founding partners 76. Coach Fisch and I met back in 2009 while both interviewing for the Seattle Seahawks. He took the job and I pivoted out of coaching and into the media. Since then we have had numerous conversations about building a program, his approach to quarterbacks and much more. Today we discuss the upcoming 9 a.m. PT kickoff and what they call it, what year one at Washington has been like and the impact of Bill Belichick, Pete Carroll and Sean McVay on his vision at UW.

Jim Thornby and I also take a deep dive into the game that might impact the College Football Playoff lens on the West Coast in a major way with #17 Boise State visiting UNLV, as well which of the now 9 undefeated teams (we taped this before Liberty’s loss Wednesday night) will remain without a loss after this weekend’s slate. Spoiler, my #19 Pitt Panthers will keep it rolling in an old school Big East re-match on Thursday night with Larry Fitzgerald in attendance :).

As always, thank you for the love and support and enjoy Week 9!

Yogi

This episode was executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

Week 8 has come and gone and college football is delivering in every imaginable and unimaginable way. 2024 has delivered epic wins, a new number one team in the land, wild finishes and sadly, now some coaching changes.

Today’s podcast highlights the Y-Option Go Go Go award winners from this past weekend, a deep dive into the Oregon Ducks, Utah Utes, Colorado Buffaloes and the USC Trojans.

We also welcome into the Y-Option studio, thanks to our founding partner 76, Dan Rubenstein. He co-hosts one of college football's most popular podcasts – The Solid Verbal – and personally inspired me to start a podcast almost a decade ago. As an Oregon alum, Dan is dialed in on all things Ducks and we explore what he trusts the most about this year's squad after their dominant win at Purdue on a Friday night. We also talk about how we both view the USC Trojans, who have lost 4 games by a total of 14 points. Finally, we compare some of the West Coast’s top teams to pizza, as Dan is a well-known connoisseur of pizza. You won’t want to miss that!

Jim Thornby and I also discuss what is happening at Utah, as Andy Ludwig abruptly resigned on Sunday and offensive analyst Mike Bajakian has taken over the play calling. We have a thoughtful and blunt conversation around the move in Salt Lake City, as well as Cam Rising’s future.

Personally, I’d like to say thank you to so many of you who sent in personal notes after reading our Sunday Newsletter as I reflected on my late Mom, who impacted me in so many powerful ways.

Much love,

Yogi

This episode is executive produced by Jim Thornby and edited by Victor Ren.

This podcast is a Best Coast Media production.

Y-Option: College Football with Yogi Roth is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.